Signal generation software tools adds LTE, LTE-Advanced capabilities
Both signal-creation tools now support key features of 3GPP Release 12 (Rel-12), accelerating time-to-market for developers of user equipment (UE) and evolved NodeB (eNB) base transceiver stations (BTS) designed to achieve improved spectral efficiency, higher data rates and more-robust links in heterogeneous networks (HetNets).
The enhancements to the Signal Studio software include generation of the metrology-grade 256QAM reference signals needed to test physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and physical multicast channel (PMCH) implementations. Signal Studio’s updated Test Model Wizard now supports the new 256QAM Rel-12 test models, E-TM2a and E-TM3.1a, used to evaluate BTS power amplifiers.
The software updates also support the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) with limited data rate channel coding for the new Category 0 UE defined by Rel-12. These Internet of things (IoT) devices will use robust machine-type communications (MTC) based on low data rates, limited modulation schemes and limited multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) functionality, all of which are intended to improve battery life.
Other additions include multi-UE scenarios for eNB load testing through emulation of up to 100 UE devices using a single Keysight X-Series signal generator.